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Bits and Pieces 5

prettyinpink
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I loved the show. Sometimes I feel a little sad that that kind of show doesn't happen any more.

http://darksidestage.blogspot.com/2010/09/...iewsdarius.html

 

This article was originally published in the North East's Sunday Sun.

 

Since turning down a recording contract with Simon Cowell after finishing third in Pop Idol, Darius Campbell (formerly Danesh) has gone on to become a platinum selling, chart topping sensation. After winning ITV’s Popstar to Operastar earlier this year, he was involved in a horrific car crash. He spoke to STUART EDWARDS about his recovery and future plans.

 

“I’ve learnt to be grateful for every day and to make the most of it. I’m incredibly lucky to be here right now.”

 

Darius Campbell fell somewhat off the radar after the lukewarm response to his second album Live Twice. The pop sensation became a leading name in pop music following the number one album Dive In and single Colourblind. After the release of his second album, Darius became involved in West-End theatre and faded slowly from the public spotlight. His career has found new life following winning ITV’s Popstar to Operastar, with a leading role in Carmen, performed at the O2 Arena in London.

 

Life evolved from something appreciated to something sacred for Darius in July. A car crash at 70mph left him with a series of injuries, but fortunately no major life-changing injuries.

 

“I’m so grateful that I came away from the crash with no neurological damage. The doctors also told me if I my neck injury had been 3mm in one direction I would be paralysed for life. 3mm the other and I would have been killed.”

 

“Eight weeks later I’m still doing physio five times a day and I’m getting there. I’ll be going all out when the tour starts though. I’ve been so lucky to have a focus to get me through.”

 

Darius’ focus has been the upcoming History of Big Bands tour, which sees him fronting a concert that takes us on a montage through decades of Big Band music. The tour started last night in St. Albans and visits the northeast with a show at Darlington’s Civic Theatre on October 21st.

 

But what exactly is ‘Big Band’ music and why is a pop icon so involved?

 

Big Band music is the term coined for a form of jazz music. It usually features ten or more musicians, including a rhythm section, singers, saxophones, trumpets and trombones. The genre was at its mainsteam peak in the 1930s and 40, however the genre has continued to evolve into the 21st century. Using his celebrity status, Darius hopes to encourage more people to discover the genre.

 

“We’re trying to bring the sound up to date whilst paying tribute to legends such as Sinatra and Tony Bennett, who was a massive inspiration. I want to try and do for Big Band music what Amy Winehouse has done for 60s soul. I’ve always found this type of music so inspiring but I never thought I could perform it right.”

 

“Music like this has to be sung with life experience; the singer has to have a connection to what the song is saying. I find it difficult to connect to lyrics about life when they’re sung by a kid.”

 

Carefully navigating a comment about Justin Bieber, Darius explained how he still looks back on his pop career with pride and pays homage to how it guided him to this career.

 

“I think everything happens for a reason and at the time it does. I learnt so much from my training with Rolando. I understand parts of life better now than I had used to, having my heart broken and, dare I say breaking a few along the way myself. Without everything I have done in my past I might not be in the position I am now.”

 

“Right now I’m just really looking forward to getting out there and performing again for my fans. We’ve just put one of the songs on my website (www.dariusmusic.com) so there’s a taster of what to expect from the shows. I’ll then carry on working on my third album, though I can’t say when that will be ready.”

 

“I just feel lucky to be here and performing. Rehearsals have been going great so come along!”

 

The History of the Big Bands, starring Darius Campbell is on tour now. The show comes to Darlington Civic Theatre on October 21st. Tickets can be purchased by calling 01325 486555 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01325 486555 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Visit www.historyofthebigbands.com for further details.

I loved the show. Sometimes I feel a little sad that that kind of show doesn't happen any more.

 

but.........we know it could! Darius can step up and sing virtually anything a cappella or with all kinds of musical accompaniment and he can switch from genre to genre smoothly and credibly within one performance. He may decide to revisit well crafted pop again.

 

I've never been able to second guess Darius so I'd never say never to anything he has done or might do in the future.

 

 

 

 

That's something to hope for, Baytree. He is very at ease on stage with the swing music and his voice really suits it.
Sometimes I think the apparent ease with which Darius makes difficult tasks look effortless and appears completely composed no matter what happens, is held against him by some parts of the media.

Yes, seen as 'over confidence' rather than good stagemanship.

 

But if he made a mistake, it'd probably be jumped on

Edited by megham

Sharon's just posted on facebook that she's just seen Darius. He was doing a photoshoot at Kings

This was a really bad video but a lovely remembrance aid for Culzean Castle.

 

 

Dreadful weather. Great gig. I'm so glad you were able to get some of it.

 

My memory is that the rain let up for Darius's performance.

 

Did it or was that because he brightens everything up when he steps on to the stage and the rain seems totally irrelevant then?

I can't remember rain at this one - probably because I was so used to it blowing a gale and bucketing down. It just got dark really quickly and Darius was the act between daylight and them recognising it was night.

That summer was one of the worst I can remember - probably because most gigs I went to were freezing and wet or (a few) much too hot. Still very good though. I liked him with the band because he seemed to get on with them so well.

Putting a few tweets together and crosschecking names mentioned, I think Darius was at the 10th Anniversary Concert in memory of Kirsty MacColl at Shepherd's Bush last night. I haven't found any photos yet.

 

Keep trying, BT. Thanks - wouldn't it be nice if they let us know he was doing these things. The only time we get told is if they realise we've already found out - usually too late.
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yes, I read that tweet, not sure if he was just attending as part of audience though -

also he was at tassles(a berlesque club) one night, then I discovered a picture of the dancer from his show on their site(I think it was her)- so perhaps he was supporting her by going to see her perform.

terrible temptation for a virtual stalker LOL, twitter...

Keep trying, BT. Thanks - wouldn't it be nice if they let us know he was doing these things. The only time we get told is if they realise we've already found out - usually too late.

 

It's the same old story isn't it?

Thanks BT and Prettyinpink. Sue

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